anaheim-gazette 1899-01-05

The Weekly Gazette. ISSUED EVERY THURSDAY. HENRY KUCHEL, CHARLES KUCHEL, Editors and Proprietors. THURSDAY... JANUARY 5, 1890 The Grand Jury has brought in a soothing report relative to the acts of some of the county officials, notably the case of Treasurer R. T. Harris, whom it charges with neglect of duty and incompetency, and as a result directs that a suit for the recovery of $6000 be entered against him. The conditions existing between the County Treasurer and the First National Bank of Santa Ana, where the bulk of the county funds are kept on deposit, are shown to be such as to call for an indignant protest, and a demand that the conditions be at once obliterated, on the part of the taxpayers of the county. The expert of the Grand Jury reports to that body that he is unable to take off a trial balance from the Treasurer's ledger, for the reason that the same has not been fully written up to Nov. 1st of the present year. That is rather a scandalous state of affairs. The Grand Jury reports as follows: "We have examined and verified the Treasurer's books so far as possible, that is to say, up to September 30th, 1898, to which date we find them seemingly correct. "On December 22d, however, we find that the cash book has not been posted to the ledger since October 1st, 1898, and no balance has been struck in the cash book since October 30th, 1898. Moreover, the cash book contains not one single entry since November 30th, 1898. "We feel that no remarks of ours as to the conduct of this office can add any force to this bare recital of facts. "We could not obtain a trial balance at the date of our examination as per the report of the expert, Mr. James Harrison, which we hereby append and make a part of this report." The chairman of the Board of Supervisors, the Auditor and District Attorney are consured for negligence in failing to properly count the money in the Treasurer's office: "It is the duty of the chairman of the Board of Supervisors, the Auditor and District Attorney to count once in each month the money in the county treasury, and make and verify duplicate statements showing first, the amount of money that ought to be in the treasury and, second, the amount and kind of money actually therein." One of these statements must be posted in the office of the County Auditor. We have examined these statements for the past year, and rarely do we find more than two of the required names upon them. We find, too, that throughout the year, accorded ago took four minutes to decide in favor of the defendant. On Friday Merritt charged Pfeninger with subornation of perjury, and asserted his intention of making complaint against him before the Grand Jury. Whether he did so or not, is not known; but on the streets of Santa Ana he publicly charged Pfeninger with going to him, at the time of the trial, and asking him to swear to a lot of things in his favor and against Winters. This Merritt says he refused to do. Pfeninger was referred to as "Celluloid Pfeninger" in the anonymous circular. The report of the Grand Jury is a voluminous document, and will be found printed in full in another part of this paper. Relative to the charge circulated at Santa Ana, to the effect that the Grand Jury was an illegal body, owing to the fact that one of its members is not upon the assessment rolls, Mr. George C. Hagar, who was a member of the Grand Jury, informs us that body was aware of that fact, were in consultation with the Superior Judge concerning it, and have no doubt as to the legality of their acts, the member in question taking no part in the indictments. The Grand Jury have done their duty well, and are entitled to the thanks of the people of the county for their labors. The report should be carefully read by every citizen of the county. CONSIDERABLE comment has been indulged in of late relative to the proposed purchase of the works of the Orange County Preserving company (the Anaheim cannery) by our esteemed fellow-townsman Mr. Peter Weisel. Recently a statement has been made by a Los Angeles paper to the effect that Mr. Weisel had determined to invest $30,000 in establishing a cannery at Orange, the people of that place having agreed, so the report says, to advance $1500 for the purchase of a piece of ground for the erection of the buildings. We doubt if any credence can be placed upon this report, for several reasons; first among them being the fact that no room exists at Orange for a cannery with one in successful operation here; secondly, an expenditure of $30,000 must be quite unnecessary for the erection of cannery build- GRAND JURY'S REPORT Continued from First Page of all roads where possible, but the roads previously gravelled covered with loose rocks, to their venience and danger of travelers; the same, and we would recommend screening of all gravel used up roads. We believe the sprinkling roads of the county to be of great fit, and would recommend several districts arrange for sparing the roads as fast as possible, but urge that the work be done by our instead of day work. As to culture would suggest that some rule be lished by which all culverts pass the expense of the county will ultimately safe; it does not necessa- low that because four by five stringer is strong enough for a culvert that it will answer for eight feet wide. We have been working under culties in examining the county for the reason that we have been lacking without a map showing belonging to the county, also tion of the culverts and bridges we understand the law, the Sup- have no right to expend more public road unless it has been by the county and accepted by tion of the Supervisors, spread- same on the minute book. If the case, we would suggest that County Surveyor make each supervisoral district show county roads, also the culv- bridges, numbered in such m- to be of information to the Sup- taxayers of the county Grand Jury, and that said map rected from time to time as re- are added. We would call attention to dition of the north end of th- crossing the Santa Ana river which should be repaired and ened before the winter rains in its present condition it wou- able to withstand any com- force of water. We also fin necessary on the west end of bridge; also some badly worn asphaltum on the same. Believing that covering out with asphaltum is a saving to the county, we recommend large bridges be covered as soon as possible. We find the grounds of th park kept in an orderly and manner and nicely improved. In the matter of the Bolsa ditch we find that it is badly o- with weeds, and in need of bel- but insamuch as the law o- district has been declared un The chairman of the Board of Supervisors, the Auditor and District Attorney are consured for negligence in failing to properly count the money in the Treasurer's office: "It is the duty of the chairman of the Board of Supervisors, the Auditor and District Attorney to count once in the county treasury, make and verify duplicate statements showing first, the amount of money that ought to be in the treasury and second, the amount and kind of money actually therein. One of these statements must be posted in the office of the County auditor. We have examined these statements for the past year, and rarely do we find more than two of the required names upon them. We find, too, that throughout the year, according to these statements, the county has no money, whatsoever, other than so-called special deposits in the First National Bank of Santa Ana or the Exchange Bank and the Bank of Tustin. We find, too, that these officials have not counted the money, or required the Treasurer to produce it; they have simply gazed upon a special deposit tag and solemnly certified to the amount written on a new county treasury. We must but regard this sort of counting as an utter humbug. A special deposit, if really what it purports to be, forms no part of the bank's funds or of its reserves, and is not entered upon its general books; it is sealed up, marked with the owner's name, placed and held separate and unsecured from the bank's own funds and from all other special deposits; it is simply stored. If wanted for counting or any other purpose it should be ready instantly in the same shape in which it was deposited. "We commend this information to the attention of the Auditor, the District Attorney, the chairman of the Board of Supervisors and to the Treasurer, if this county has one." The Grand Jury recommends the divorcement of the relations existing between the County Treasurer and the First National bank of Santa Ana, to which the taxpayers and the voters of the county will doubtless utter a fervent amen. The influence of this bank has been felt in the conventions of both the political parties of the county, and politics have been debauched thereby, with a single end in view to the deposit of the county funds in this institution. Combinations have been made to defeat good men for office who refused to bow to the will of the political magnates of this institution, and this political warfare has conspired to take other men down into the vortex of political oblivion. That is one viewpoint of the situation which has been known to the people of the county for years. The Grand Jury directs the attention of the people to another and quite as alarming feature of this political combination. The people of Orange county will remember full well the part played by this politico-banking institution during the recent campaign, and will rise as one man to second the suggestion of the Grand Jury that the county funds be removed from its vaults into a place of safe-keeping to be provided by the county. Let a county vault be constructed, and sufficient funds be kept on hand to transact the business of the day. The balance of the funds may be entrusted to banks as special deposits, if need be. But let the Treasurer's office be divorced from the First National bank. Let the Treasurer receive his salary as such official; let not the tempting bait of a second salary from any bank conspire to his placing the public moneys in their hands, with the attendant possibility of the debauchment of the politics of the county. Remove the bank from politics. Supervisor-elect Larter of Westminster recently a statement has been made by Los Angeles paper to the effect that Mr. Weisel had determined to invest $30,000 in establishing a cannery at Orange, the people of that place having agreed, so the report says, to advance $1500 for the purchase of a piece of ground for the erection of the buildings. We doubt if any credence can be placed upon this report, for several reasons; first among them being the fact that no room exists at Orange for a cannery with one in successful operation here; secondly, an expenditure of $30,000 must be quite unnecessary for the erection of cannery building, and a bonus of $1500 as a bait for the investment of that amount of money would not prove, under ordinary circumstances, to be a very tempting offer. We consider the acquisition of the works of the Anaheim cannery at par, with the added advantage of no other cannery being in operation in the county, to be incomparably superior to any bonus of this or any similar amount. The cannery has been in operation during one season; the Directors have come into possession of knowledge of incalculable value concerning canneries; the business has been conspicuously successful, and the reputation made by the establishment is second to that of none in the State. That is a good deal to say; but that is true. Its goods have gone to the East, and to foreign lands; several carloads of peaches and apricots have been shipped from Anaheim to France and England, and letters have been received in reply warmly extolling the quality of the goods. A consignment of fruit, for instance, sold to a San Francisco canning firm, under labels of standard goods was accepted, relabeled "extra quality," and disposed of to advantage in the New York market. Every can of fruit put up at the cannery was disposed of before the season closed, and the corporation has such encouraging assurances from many firms of brokers at home and abroad that no doubt is felt that next year's output will be sold at a handsome profit. Moreover, the profits of the cannery this past season, even though a late start was unavoidable, were extraordinarily large. Based upon these profits holders of stock would be justified in asking an advance for the same; but we understand the works will be offered to Mr. Weisel at par. The Directors have no right to offer the stock of other stockholders at any figure below par; they may dispose of their own at any figure they list, but to contract to deliver the stock of others below par, they cannot do. We hope Mr. Weisel may be able to see his way clear to the purchase of these works; he will find them a rare investment, and one that will pay him handsome dividends. Another cannery here, or even at Orange, would scarcely offer advantages commensurate with the outlay necessary for the erection of the works. The Anaheim cannery has just closed a season of splendid profits; the works are offered at par to the proper party to assume control of them, and operate them in future. Failing to dispose of yellow-townman Mr. Peter Weisel. Recently a statement has been made by Los Angeles paper to the effect that Mr. Weisel had determined to invest $30,000 in establishing a cannery at Orange, the people of that place having agreed, so the report says, to advance $1500 for the purchase of a piece of ground for the erection of the buildings. We doubt if any credence can be placed upon this report, for several reasons; first among them being the fact that no room exists at Orange for a cannery with one in successful operation here; secondly, an expenditure of $30,000 must be quite unnecessary for the erection of cannery building, and a bonus of $1500 as a bait forthe investment of that amount of money would not prove, under ordinary circumstances, to be a very tempting offer. We consider the acquisition ofthe worksoftheAnaheimcanneryatparwiththeaddedadvantageofnoothercannerybeinginoperationinthecounty,tobeincomparablysuperiortoanybonusofthisoranysimilaramount. The cannery has been in operation during one season;theDirectorshavecomeintopossessionofknowledgeofincalculablevalueconcerningcanneries;thebusinesshasbeenconspicuouslysuccessful,andthereputationmadebytheestablishmentissecondtothatofnoneintheStateThatisagooddealto saybutthatistrue.ItsgoodshavegonetotheEast,andforeignlandsseveralcarloadsofpeachesandapricotshavemisshippedfromAnaheimtoFranceandEngland,andlettershavebeenreceivedinreplywarmlyextollingthequalityofthegoods.Aconsignmentoffruit,soldtoaSanFriscocanningfirmunderlabelsofstandardgoodswasaccepted,rrelabeled"extraquality,"anddisposedoftoadvantageintheNewYorkmarket.Everycanoffruitputupatthecannerywasdisposedofbeforetheseclosed,andthecorporationhassuchencouragingassurancesfrommanyfrisonsbrokersathomeandabroadthatno doubtisfeltthatnextyear'soutputwillbesoldatahandsomeprofit. Moreover,theprofitsofthecannerythispastseason,eventhoughalatestartwasunavoidable,derexordinarilylarge.Basedupontheseprofitsholdersofstockwouldbejustifiedinaskinganadvanceforthesame；但weunderstandtheworkswillbeofferedtoMr.Weiselatpar.TheDirectorshavenorighttofferthestockofotherstockholdersatanyfigurebelowpar;theymaydisposeoftheirownatanyfiguretheylist,但tocontracttodeliverthestockofothersbelowpar,theycannotdo. WehopeMr.Weiselmaybeabletoseehiswaycleartothepurchaseoftheseworks;hewillfindtheamarealinvestmentfromouredgeofthegentleman'slackofofficialdutywe suggesttopayersofthesecondsupervicetriethewisdomofafingerfortheimmediateresponsibility.R.E.Larterfromtheofficevisitor,tothichhehasjustbeenfollowingupthepoliteintheGrandJuriesof1896and1896seemtohavebeenignoredrequestandrenewtherecommendationoftheGramnamely: "FollowinguptherecommendationoftheGrandJuriesof1896,intheverygreatneedofasafeplaceinwhichtokeepablesbooksanddocumentsocount;andrecognizingthelossthatwouldcomeuponourshowafiredevastatethennowinuseforcountyoffice,thestoringofourpublicresearchmostrespectfullyurgenttakingimmediatestepstowardaplaceofsafetyfordurveyandbooks." county vault be constructed, and sufficient funds be kept on hand to transact the business of the day. The balance of the funds may be entrusted to banks as special deposits, if need be. But let the Treasurer's office be divorced from the First National bank. Let the Treasurer receive his salary as such official; let not the tempting bait of a second salary from any bank conspire to his placing the public moneys in their hands, with the attendant possibility of the debauchment of the politics of the county. Remove the bank from politics. Supervisor-elect Larter of Westminster is charged with dereliction of duty while acting as Deputy Assessor, in that he failed to collect personal property assessments in his district; and twelve misdemeanor charges are placed against him, with instructions to the District Attorney to begin actions against him for the recovery of this money. Furthermore, the Grand Jury recommends that the people of his district circulate a petition asking that Larter resign his office as Supervisor, to which he was at the late election elected. Road Overseer Rosenbaum of Capistrano has a felony charge against him, and an indictment has been brought against him. His practice has been so it would appear from the report, to charge the county in excess of the amount actually disbursed for labor on the roads by him—in other words, paying laborers one price and charging the county a higher rate. Mr. Rosenbaum seems to be quite a thrifty individual, and a term of years in prison would seem to be fit punishment for the crime. E. S. Merritt of this city was presented with a fine New Year's present in the shape of an indictment charging him with issuing the anonymous circular labeled, "Offspring of the Plain Dealer," attacking that publication, as well as a number of other reputable and highly esteemed gentlemen of this city, who have no interest in the Plain Dealer, and some of whom have been wantonly attacked by that sheet. Merritt took his New Year's dinner in the county jail, and at latest accounts was still an inmate of that reformatory institution. His trial will probably bring out the whole story of the anonymous publication. Merritt was a witnessninger in the latter's case against Winters, for $7500, which Superior Court some days A Quadruple Wedding. CANAL DOVER, O., Jan. 3.—A most remarkable wedding has just taken place at the small village of Trail, ten miles north of here, four brothers being married to four sisters. The four knots were tied at the home of the brides, who are the daughters of a prosperous farmer named James Herchstettler. Their ages range from 18 to 28, and the ages of their respective husbands vary only slightly. The grooms are the four sons of John Sumers and are energetic young men of good habits and some means. The ceremony of marrying the four occupied almost an hour, the same clergyman performing all. The four brothers and their wives will live within a stone's throw of each other. Beata the Klondike. Mr. A.C. Thomas of Marysville, Tex., has found a more valuable discovery than has yet been made in the Klondike. For years, he suffered untold agony from consumption, accompanied by hemorrhages; and was absolutely cured by Dr. King's New Discovery for consumption, coughs and colds. He declares that gold is of little value in comparison with this marvelous cure; would have it, even if it cost a hundred dollars a bottle. Asthma, bronchitis and all throat and lung affections are positively cured by Dr. King's New Discovery for Consumption. Trial bottles free at P. A. Derge's drug store. Regular size 50cts, and $1. Guaranteed to cure or price refunded. "Following up the recommendation of the Grand Jury of 1896, in the very great need of a safe place in which to keep able books and documents on county; and recognizing the insufficiency that would come upon one should a fire devastate them now in use for county offices; the storing of our public records do most respectfully urge us proper authorities to take immediate steps toward a place of safety for our own books." In this connection we will while Orange county has passed effect of the present dryness than any other in the State; the present conditions we do disposed to make a direct reaction for immediate action for a court house. We do how strongly the need of the case is erected of a suitable code and we request the Superintendent keep the subject steadily in take action at the earliest moment. We have recommended thorough disinfection of the Santa Ana, which is now en route and we desire to thank the City Trustees for their efficient action. Our attention having been to the faulty condition of the gallery of the Grand Oasis in the city of Santa Ana, we thank W. F. Lutz for his prosecution in remedying the same. We also recommend that ordinances of this county be forced and the license promptly applied. Our attention having been to circulation of a scandalous and anonymous publication "Offspring of the Plain Deal" city of Anaheim and surroundry, reflecting, or rather attracting, on the character and of some of the most worthy citizens of this city have carefully investigated ship of this publication and city of the person or persons circulating it. As a result structured the District Attorney E. S. Merritt of Anaheim fidel in circulating the public. We have also appointed all three to act as a committee zens after the adjournment to call the attention of the District Attorney to the enforcement us as to the real authoriators, of this publication and him to take appropriate action. We desire to extend our Judge J. W. Ballard, to Zachariah District Attorney, to George County Clerk, W. A. B. Sheriff J. C. Nichols, to Aud Hall and to other county officials their uniform courtesy and which have greatly facilitated GRAND JURY'S REPORT. Continued from First Page. All roads where possible, but find covered with loose rocks, to the inconvenience and danger of travelers over same, and we would recommend the opening of all gravel used upon the roads. We believe the sprinkling of the roads of the county to be of great bene- and would recommend that the several districts arrange for sprinkling the roads as fast as possible, but would urge that the work be done by contract instead of day work. As to culverts we would suggest that some rule be established by which all culverts put in at the expense of the county will be absolutely safe; it does not necessarily follow that because four by four inch stringer is strong enough for a four foot calvert that it will answer for a calvert eight feet wide. We have been working under difficulties in examining the county roads, for the reason that we have been working without a map showing the roads belonging to the county, also the location of the culverts and bridges. As we understand the law, the Supervisors have no right to expend money on a public road unless it has been acquired by the county and accepted by the action of the Supervisors, spreading the same on the minute book. If such be the case, we would suggest that the State County Surveyor make a map of each supervisoral district showing the county roads, also the culverts and bridges, numbered in such manner as to be of information to the Supervisors, the taxpayers of the county and the Grand Jury, and that said maps be corrected from time to time as new roads are added. We would call attention to the condition of the north end of the bridge crossing the Santa Ana river at Yorba, which should be repaired and strengthened before the winter rains set in, as its present condition it would be unable to withstand any considerable force of water. We also find repairs necessary on the west end of the Olive bridge; also some badly worn places in the asphaltum on the same. Believing that covering our bridges with asphaltum is a saving of money to the county, we recommend that all large bridges be covered as soon as possible. We find the grounds of the county park kept in an orderly and cleanly manner and nicely improved. In the matter of the Bolsa drainageitch we find that it is badly overgrown with weeds, and in need of being cleaned, but inasmuch as the law creating a district has been declared unconstitu- In the case of R. E. Larter, the deputy assessor mentioned on page nine of this report, after a careful investigation we have requested the District Attorney to enter twelve cases of misdeanor for willful neglect of duty. These cases of neglect—or worse—are out some of many instances of his negligent methods, and from our knowledge of the gentleman's lack of sense of official duty we suggest to the taxpayers of the second supervisorial district the wisdom of a signed request for the immediate resignation of Mr. R. E. Larter from the office of Superintendent, to which he has just been elected. Following up the polite request of the Grand Juries of 1896 and 1897, which seem to have been ignored, we also request and renew the request and recommendation of the Grand Jury, namely: "Following up the recommendation of the Grand Jury of 1896, in regard to the very great need of a safe and suitable place in which to keep the valuable books and documents of Orange County; and recognizing the incalculable loss that would come upon our county should a fire devastate the building now in use for county offices, and for the storing of our public records, we do most respectfully urge upon the proper authorities the necessity of taking immediate steps towards building a place of safety for our documents and books." In this connection we will add that while Orange county has perhaps felt the effect of the present dry year, less than any other in the State; yet under believing that covering our bridges with asphaltum is a saving of money to the county, we recommend that all large bridges be covered as soon as possible. We find the grounds of the county park kept in an orderly and cleanly manner and nicely improved. In the matter of the Bolsa drainageitch we find that it is badly overgrown with weeds, and in need of being cleaned, but insamuch as the law creating a district has been declared unconstitutional, and is now pending in the Supreme Court of the state, we withhold any recommendation. We find in the vicinity of Bolsa that the grading of the roads is too narrow, and the ditches growing up with weeds. There is not sufficient material to make a good and sufficient road, and we recommend that the roadbed be laid out so as to get sufficient material to repair the same from time to time. While there are many roads in the county that we might mention as needing repair, we will speak of two in particular. The road between Miraiores, near Anaheim, and the Chapman street bridge at West Orange, is ready in need of a covering with hill travel, and we recommend that the supervisor of that district remedy the evil at once. Also the road leading to Newport beach across the mesa from the end of Main street should be graded and gravelled. We have visited the public school buildings in the vicinity of Santa Ana, Orange and Anaheim, and have found the sanitary conditions good with a few exceptions, and to these the attention of the proper authorities have been called. We have visited the county jail and the buildings and grounds in excellent condition, except the water closets, which need immediate attention and repairs. GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS. In the case of R. E. Larter, the deputy assessor mentioned on page nine of this report, after a careful investigation we have requested the District Attorney to enter twelve cases of misdeanor for willful neglect of duty. These cases of neglect—or worse—are out some of many instances of his negligent methods, and from our knowledge of the gentleman's lack of sense of official duty we suggest to the taxpayers of the second supervisorial district the wisdom of a signed request for the immediate resignation of Mr. R. E. Larter from the office of Superintendent, to which he has just been elected. Following up the polite request of the Grand Juries of 1896 and 1897, which seem to have been ignored, we also request and renew the request and recommendation of the Grand Jury, namely: "Following up the recommendation of the Grand Jury of 1896, in regard to the very great need of a safe and suitable place in which to keep the valuable books and documents of Orange County; and recognizing the incalculable loss that would come upon our county should a fire devastate the building now in use for county offices, and for the storing of our public records, we do most respectfully urge upon the proper authorities the necessity of taking immediate steps towards building a place of safety for our documents and books." In this connection we will add that while Orange county has perhaps felt the effect of the present dry year, less than any other in the State; yet under believing that covering our bridges with asphaltum is a saving of money to the county, we recommend that all large bridges be covered as soon as possible. We find the grounds of the county park kept in an orderly and cleanly manner and nicely improved. In the matter of the Bolsa drainageitch we find that it is badly overgrown with weeds, and in need of being cleaned, but insamuch as the law creating a district has been declared unconstitutional, and is now pending in the Supreme Court of the state, we withhold any recommendation. We find in the vicinity of Bolsa that the grading of the roads is too narrow, and the ditches growing up with weeds. There is not sufficient material to make a good and sufficient road, and we recommend that the roadbed be laid out so as to get sufficient material to repair the same from time to time. While there are many roads in the county that we might mention as needing repair, we will speak of two in particular. The road between Miraores, near Anaheim, and the Chapman street bridge at West Orange, is ready in need of a covering with hill travel, and we recommend that the supervisor of that district remedy the evil at once. Also the road leading to Newport beach across the mesa from the end of Main street should be graded and gravelled. We have visited the county jail and the buildings and grounds in excellent condition, except the water closets, which need immediate attention and repairs. GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS. In the case of R. E. Larter, the deputy assessor mentioned on page nine of this report, after a careful investigation we have requested the District Attorney to enter twelve cases of misdeanor for willful neglect of duty. These cases of neglect—or worse—are out some of many instances of his negligent methods, and from our knowledge of the gentleman's lack of sense of official duty we suggest to the taxpayers of the second supervisorial district the wisdom of a signed request for the immediate resignation of Mr. R. E. Larter from the office of Superintendent, to which he has just been elected. Following up the polite request of the Grand Juries of 1896 and 1897, which seem to have been ignored, we also request and renew the request and recommendation of the Grand Jury, namely: "Following up the recommendation of the Grand Jury of 1896, in regard to the very great need of a safe and suitable place in which to keep the valuable books and documents of Orange County; and recognizing the incalculable loss that would come upon our county should a fire devastate the building now in use for county offices, and for the storing of our public records, we do most respectfully urge upon the proper authorities the necessity of taking immediate steps towards building a place of safety for our documents and books." "Following up the recommendation of the Grand Jury of 1896, in regard to the very great need of a safe and suitable place in which to keep the valuable books and documents of Orange county; and recognizing the incalculable loss that would come upon our county should a fire devastate the building now in use for county offices, and for the storing of our public records, we do most respectfully urge upon the proper authorities the necessity of taking immediate steps towards building a place of safety for our documents and books." In this connection we will add that while Orange county has perhaps felt the effect of the present dry year, less than any other in the State; yet under the present conditions we do not feel disposed to make a direct recommendation for immediate action for building a court house. We do, however, feel strongly the need of the county for the erection of a suitable court house, and we request the Supervisors to keep the subject steadily in mind and take action at the earliest possible moment. We have recommended the thorough disinfection of the city of Santa Ana, which is now completed, and we desire to thank the Board of City Trustees for their prompt and efficient action. Our attention having been called to the faulty condition of the exits of the gallery of the Grand Opera-house in the city of Santa Ana, we desire to thank W. F. Lutz for his prompt action in remedying the same. We also recommend that the saloon ordinances of this county be strictly enforced and the license promptly collected. Our attention having been called to the circulation of a scandalous, libelous and anonymous publication called the "Offspring of the Plain Dealer," in the city of Anaheim and surrounding country, reflecting, or rather attempting to reflect, on the character and reputation of some of the most respectable and most worthy citizens of this county, we have carefully investigated the authority of this publication and the identity of the person or persons engaged in circulating it. As a result we have instructed the District Attorney to indict E. S. Merritt of Anaheim for criminal libel in circulating the publication. We have also appointed a committee of three to act as a committee of citizens after the adjournment of this body to call the attention of the incoming District Attorney to the evidence before us as to the real authors, or instigators, of this publication and request him to take appropriate action. We desire to extend our thanks to Judge J. W. Ballard, to Z. B. West, the District Attorney, to the Deputy County Clerk, W. A. Beckett, to Sheriff J. C. Nichols, to Auditor J. H. Hall and to other county officials, for their uniform courtesy and assistance which have greatly facilitated our The assembly then went into session as a committee of the whole to consider the Johnson bill appropriating $100,000 for the relief of the State printing office. The appropriation was cut to $20,000 and the clause authorizing the state printer to have work done outside the state office was stricken out. The bill comes up for third reading tomorrow immediately after the reading of the journal. A resolution was adopted by which the Capitol building will be turned over to the Inaugural Committee from Saturday at noon until Thursday morning at 10 o'clock. The inaugural ball will be given Monday evening. The Senate this morning received an important communication from Senator Perkins in which he asked instructions from the Senate on the pending question of territorial expansion. He expressed himself as confident that this question is of more importance to the welfare of this country than is any problem that has arisen during the present generation. He stated that in the absence of instructions from the Legislature of California he will vote to amend Section 7 of the treaty, which provides for the payment of $20,000,000 for the relinquishment of Spain's interests in the Philippine Islands. He is of the opinion that the United States requires only a military reservation, naval and coaling station in the islands. Further, it seems to him that to acquire territory on the Asiatic coast is contrary to the spirit of the Constitution. The cost of maintaining a standing army in the Philippines and the expense of civil government for the islands is also given as another reason why the United States should not acquire them. The exports from the islands to all the world are pointed out to be but $30,000,000 annually. The fact that the islands are densely populated is given as a reason why they are incapable of development as was the Louisiana purchase, California and Alaska. The unhealthfulness of the climate is urged as another argument against acquiring them. The influence upon American industry, notably that of the raising of sugar beets, and upon American labor is pointed out in the letter as not for the best interests of the country. The situation in the senatorial fight is practically unchanged since yesterday. Grant's forces are confident of ultimate success, and appear to be fully as strong as when they came here. D. M. Burns' managers say that he is ready to caucus at any time. They claim votes enough to control the caucus, and state that they have now votes enough even to elect their man on joint ballot. The friends of the other candidates deny this. General Barnes stated to-night that he has nineteen votes pledged on joint ballot—five from the Senate and fourteen from the Assembly. Senator Bulla is sure of his Accordingly she "beaches" a rock scorpion," or a trifle of that ruck of men which drifts around the gates ports and ships in any "grub" is plenty and w longer slings his hammer Sam's berth deck, as he has shaken off his shame of the service, by. Nor can she tramp nor even the incorrigible be her family thus be provided relief of constables and relatives. No man or boy is United States naval record unless he is clean, heard young, strong and intelligent he afterward get that which is certainly open to fear or favor, unless he show aptitude and ability jamin in Independent." EASTON FLORIDGE & GENERAL AUCTIONS. Our entire stock of OVERCOATS At a discount of 20 Per Cent This line consists of the very latest Fall Styles. Overcoats of all descriptions; Blacks, Blues, Tans, Browns and other shades. $5 OVERCOATS at $4 $7 OVERCOATS at $5.60 $10 OVERCOATS at $8 $12 OVERCOATS at $9.60 $15 OVERCOATS at $12 Leo Harris & Co. CLOTHIERS AND FURNISHERS, 114 West Fourth Street, Santa Ana, California. BARGAINS ARE OFFERED In all lines BARGAINS ARE OFFERED In all lines DRY GOODS, CLOTHING, BOOTS AND SHOES Are offered at astonishingly Low Prices. We buy and sell everything from a needle to a threshing machine. STERN BROS. SANTA CLAUS HAS ARRIVED AT THE Boston Bakery. STEPHEN KISTLER will have a large variety of Christmas Goods for the Holidays, also a large supply of Fancy Fruit, Coffee and Honey Cakes (or lebekuchen) and pepper nuts. A fresh assortment in Christmas Candies, at all prices. To Beet Growers. During a temporary absence of T. J. Jones, Mr. William Winterhalter will take his place as the representative of the Chino Valley Beet Sugar Co., Mr. Winterhalter will be at the office of Mr. Pierce, Justice of the Peace, at Anaheim, every Saturday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., to receive applications, make contracts or give any information desired. Second-Hand Goods, No rain so far Money a little scarce. Perhaps a second hand vehicle or tool would serve your purpose as well as a new one for the time being, and not be so hard on the pocketbook. We have the following to offer you this week: 13% National tube ax wagon with 14-foot reach. 24% Old Hickory half truck. 13 18steel ax Studebaker with half springs. 1 cut under surrey with pole. 1 cut under surrey with shafts. 4 Concord road wagon. 1 Moline cultivator 6 feet. 1 Good enough sulky plow. 1 14-inch steel beam plow. 1 14-inch wood beam plow. 7-inch chilled plow. 13-8 3-spring wagon, suitable for milk wagon. 1 Special Monarch bicycle nearly new (gent's). 1 Present, 22-inch frame. Very cheap. Box store, 10 joints of pipe, 2 ebows. These are all bargains and well worth your Hay & Grain FOR SALE. Extra Quality. Inquire of Samuel Kraemer, dec22-2m* PLACENTIA. PROPOSALS. Sealed proposals will be received by the Clerk of the City of Anaheim, at his office, at the City Hall, Center street, Anaheim, up to Tuesday, December 27, 1988, at 8 o'clock p.m. For the delivery of five (5) cars of crude oil. Said oil must be of not less than 16 gravity and must be guaranteed to be free from sediment and water. Oil to be delivered f.o.b. track Los Angeles, as soon as practicable. Terms of payment, cash on delivery. A certified check for $40 must accompany and every proposal. Board of Trustees of the City of Anaheim reserves the right to reject each and every bid. By order of the Board of Trustees of the City of Anaheim. M. NEBELUNG, dec15-21 City Clerk. ARMY AND NAVY GUNS. A Vast Difference In the Number of Men Required to Handle Them. The number of men required to man naval guns of the British, French, German and American navies is about the same, although the French are understood to have more men as a rule for some of the larger guns. For the 4 inch and 5 inch all services require four men to work each piece; for the 6 inch, six men are needed, and for the 10, 12 and 13 inch the same number. As nearly all our 8, 10, 12 and 13 inch guns are used in pairs and mounted in turrets the 12 men working them are protected by heavy plates of steel. For the little 1 pounders three men are necessary to work them rapidly, and for the 3 pounders and 6 pounders four men are assigned, and for the Hotchkiss three men. Treble the number of men seem to be required to work the same caliber of guns in our coast defense system, although there is no special reason for this, unless it be due to the fact that the army guns are mounted on disappearing carriages and are not provided with turrets, which naturally limits the space of the operators. An army 8 inch gun takes 15 men to work it; a 10 inch gun requires 18 men, and a 12 inch gun, the largest now constructed by the army, calls for 21 men. It will be seen, therefore, that a 18 inch naval gun is operated by six men, while an army gun of one inch less caliber calls for 21 men. The navy gun can be fired just as rapidly with its six men as the army gun can be fired with its larger number.—Boston Herald. No rain so far. Money a little scarce. Perhaps a second hand vehicle or tool would serve your purpose as well as a new one for the time being, and not be so hard on the pocketbook. We have the following to offer you: 1% National tube ax wagon with 14-foot rack bed. 13¼ x¾ Old Hickory half truck. 13½ steel ax Studebaker with half springs. 1 cut under surrey with pole. 1 cut under surrey with shafts. 4 Concord road wagon. 1 Moline cultivator 6 feet. 1 Good Enough sulky plow. 14-inch steel beam plow. 14-inch wood beam plow. 17-inch chilled plow, 13-8 3-spring wagon, suitable for milk wagon. 1 Special Monarch bicycle nearly new (gent's). 1 Crescent, 22-inch frame. Very cheap. Box stove, 10 joints of pipe, 2 elbows. These are all bargains and well worth your while to investigate. COME IN AND LOOK US OVER. WM. F. LUTZ CO. dec15 Los Angeles street At Sea on Maskat. A funny scene occurred many years ago in congress. A present of Arabian horses, a sword, etc., arrived from the imam of Maskat for President Adams. A western member with some heat moved that the gift should be sent back, with a letter from congress, informing the ruler of Maskat that the president of the United States was no king, but the servant of the people, and was not permitted to give or receive presents. Another member rose. "Such a letter, Mr. Speaker," he said, "can easily be written. But where is it to be sent? Where is Maskat?" There was no response. Apparently not a member of the house was prepared to answer, nor could Maskat then be found in any atlas published in this country. It was found at last on a German map. A civil answer was returned, and the geographers made haste to insert Maskat in the next edition of their maps.—Exchange. The Other Way Around. The loyalty of the Scottish highlander to his kilt is a picturesque thing. He will never admit that it makes him cold, and highlanders who were suffering from cold in the ordinary dress of civilization have been known to substitute the kilt for it in order to get warm, though this would be much like removing one's coat and waistcoat and rolling up one's shirt sleeves for the same purpose. It is said that a stranger, seeing a soldier in full highlander uniform shivering in a cold wind, asked him: "Sandy, are you cold with the kilt?" "Na, na, mon," the soldier answered indignantly, "but I'm nigh kilt with the could!"—Exchange. PROPOSALS. Sealed proposals will be received by the Clerk of the City of Anaheim, at his office, at the City Hall Center street, Anaheim, up to Tuesday, December 27, 1908, at 8 o'clock p.m. for the delivery of five (5) cars of crude oil. Said oil must be of not less than 16 gravity and must be guaranteed to be free from sediment and water. Oil to be delivered f.o.b. track Los Angeles, as soon as practicable. Terms of payment, cash on delivery. A certified check for $50 must accompany each and every proposal. The Board of Trustees of the City of Anaheim reserves the right to reject each and every bid. By order of the Board of Trustees of the City of Anaheim. M. NEBELUNG. dec15-21 City Clerk. Delinquent Notice. Office of the Anaheim Union Water Company, Anaheim, Orange County, California. Notice—There is delinquent upon the following described stock, on account of assessment levied the 5th day of November, 1899, the several amounts set opposite the names of the respective shareholders, as follows: Name. Cert. Shares. Amt due. R. J. Adcock. 1378 $8.00 1879 $2.00 Frank Baxter. 1462 $1.00 2028 $3.00 Ella D. Bonsall. 1916 $10.00 W. J. Boyle. 2007 $10.00 Boyle & Dayton. 1621 $10.00 L.D.Blomstrom. 2223 $6.00 Thos.Dunn. 14 $9.00 Geo.Dunn. 1799 $4.00 John J.Everharty. 1680 $10.00 E.T.East. 1929 $10.00 J.P.Greeley. 1527 $12.00 J.McLauglan. 1160 $7.00 1163 $6.00 J.B.Poyet. 1947 $2.00 Wm.Stewardson. 552 $10.00 C.Stolberg. 2008 $2.00 M.L.Rogers. 1861 $20.00 1568 $10.00 And in accordance with law and an order of the Board of Directors made on the said 5th day of November, 1898, so many shares of each parcel of said stock as may be necessary will be sold at the office of the Board in the Backs' block Anaheim, Orange county California on the 7th day of January, 1899, at the hour of 2:30 p.m.of said day, to pay the delinquent assessment thereon, together with the costs of advertising and expenses of sale. W.H.BLENNERHASSETT Secretary. Anaheim, Dec. 9, 1898. FOR SALE. Four and one-fourth acres of land, one and one-fourth miles northeast of Placentia postoffice. Price,$400.Call on or address, R.J.JLAIDLAW, Placentia P.O. Remember the "Bain!" No wagon equals it in quality and price.Popular vehicles at Baker & Hamilton's,Los Angeles,Cal.A-6m